To succeed in the field of technology, passing numerous certifications is a must. One of the most important — not only for professionals, but for students and educators as well — is CompTIA A+. Launched in 2015, CompTIA A+ covers nine IT skills that will help you get ahead of your career.

Nail the exam by being prepared. Here are some tips:

Take a practice test

Try a CompTIA A+ certification practice test to prepare you. Many websites and review centers offer this, so go for the one with a good reputation and client base. Taking a practice test will show how test questions are structured and how long each chapter is. It will also help gauge your knowledge, allowing you to identify your strong and weak points.

Study the objectives

Know what to study for the exam by downloading the CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 blueprints on their website. The two objective documents give an overview of the test by breaking down their contents in nine chapters. It also shows the percentage of each chapter in the examination. Build your reviewer around these to familiarize yourself with the test.

Get your hands dirty

They say that experience is the best teacher. As CompTIA A+ is a performance-based exam, it’s only logical to know — or even perfect — the processes involved in handling and managing a computer device. Apply your knowledge to a real computer to know how its system truly works. Deconstruct, rebuild, and study it as a whole so you can answer even the most technical questions. Perfecting this will surely land you an A+.

Certifications are important in the IT industry. Nail the CompTIA A+ test so you have a good foundation in your career. Read and apply your learning to know how it really works. It also helps if you get a mentor who can guide you throughout. Good luck!

If you keep up with good oral hygiene, it’s likely for your teeth to stay on the whiter side. The sad part is, even if you brush and floss regularly, there are still instances where some parts of your teeth look translucent. It could be due to a number of factors, but noticing translucency indicates that your tooth enamel is eroding.

You have plaque buildup or cavities

When you let plaque accumulate on your teeth, you also allow the bacteria and acid to thrive. This can dissolve the mineral of your tooth, which may cause your pearly whites to appear cloudy or translucent.

You love sour or acidic foods and beverages

Consuming such food can erode or wear your enamel over time. The acids present in soda, citrus foods, coffee, alcohol, and tomato-based products can weaken your enamel, causing it to lose some of its minerals and lead to translucency.

You have celiac disease

Apart from gastrointestinal issues, this condition can cause poor enamel development and result in translucent teeth. If you suffer from celiac disease, you may also have recurring canker sores and dry mouth.

You have acid reflux

During an acid reflux attack, the acid in your stomach can come back up and affect your teeth. This can cause enamel erosion, which will then affect the appearance of your teeth.

You have hypoplasia

This causes your tooth enamel to become thin, chalky, or weak. In some cases, the enamel may not form at all. Hypoplasia can affect both baby and permanent teeth.

An eroded enamel cannot grow back, but there treatments that can restore your teeth. Porcelain veneers can alter the appearance of your teeth, while dental crowns can help the tooth regain its structure and strength. Visit your dentist to know your options in fixing translucent teeth, as well as enamel protection tips.